Josh Doan contract update: Buffalo Sabres sign young forward to seven-year, $48.65M deal after breakout NHL season

Josh Doan’s impact in Buffalo has been immediate, and the Sabres made sure it won’t be short-lived. On Wednesday, the franchise locked up the 23-year-old forward with a long-term contract, rewarding a breakout season that has added speed, structure, and consistency to a team still trying to redefine itself.

The deal reflects more than just numbers on a stat sheet. Doan has settled quickly into a new environment, earning trust through reliable two-way play and steady offensive growth, making the timing of Buffalo’s commitment feel deliberate rather than reactive.

Josh Doan’s seven-year contract reflects Buffalo’s long-term vision, GM calls him a core piece

Buffalo signed Doan to a seven-year, $48.65 million contract with an average annual value of $6.95 million, beginning next season. The move removes any uncertainty around his future, as Doan would have been eligible for restricted free agency after the year.

Instead of opting for a short-term bridge, the Sabres chose security and continuity. In his first season with Buffalo, Doan has posted career highs with 15 goals, 20 assists, and 35 points in 49 games. These figures demonstrate his increasing confidence with the puck, yet they only provide a partial picture. His ability to play at a high pace, win battles along the boards, and stay engaged defensively has made him a dependable presence in various situations.

Doan arrived in Buffalo on June 26 as part of a trade that sent forward JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth, with defenseman Michael Kesselring also coming to the Sabres. The deal was viewed as a calculated reshaping of the roster, and Doan has quickly emerged as one of its most important pieces. Originally selected 37th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2021 NHL Draft, Doan has taken a patient path through the league. Across time with the Coyotes, Mammoths, and Sabres, he has totalled 63 points in 111 NHL games, showing steady progression rather than sharp peaks and valleys. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen underscored Buffalo’s long-term belief in Doan following the signing. “Josh is a player that impacts the team both on and off the ice,” Kekalainen said. “He works hard, is competitive and skilled, and his game is going to continue to develop. We believe he will be a core piece of this team moving forward, and I am excited to have him as a Buffalo Sabre long term.” For a Buffalo team sitting at 27-17-5 and working to end a playoff absence that dates back to 2011, committing to a young forward entering his prime provides stability and clarity. The Sabres are betting that Doan’s best hockey is still ahead, and they are prepared to build around that belief.